its my cancer!

Hi Colin,

Have been in the same position as yourself now since the bombshell was dropped in my lap last sept 21st. i have bladder cancer and have also been told that  'its a good one to have' ! well pardon me but that is what my father died from, so i know where you are coming from, some people just dont think before they open their mouths.

Like you in just a few months all my lifes savings have now gone, i am lucky i am still able to work for the moment, but it is a real drain not only on the mind and soul but also the resources, but for my family's help i would have lost everything and still may.

I have found all these organisations such as CAB. DHP, the benifits agency all to be pretty much useless and unhelpful.  and once again am told i am not sick enough ! while all the time ever increacing demands are being made by the banks and building societies and credit card campanies.

However Macmillan were the most helpful with advice and a small grant which helped, so do get intouch with their financial help department.

Good luck with all the treatment, i have 2 close friends recovering from bowel cancer and they are doing ok, so dont be too downhearted at this early point.

All the best.

pauli.........

I agree, when my husband got bile duct cancer we didn't qualify for any benefits except sickness benefit which didn't even cover the weekly utility bills. He had to go to a tribunal eventually to get the very lowest amount of DLA, and that was withdrawn after a year. Welfare state.....I don't think so, at least not for genuine cases. It annoyed me so much that having cancer diagnosed is a big enough shock, without having to fight for enough money to live on, which only adds to the stress at a time when you don't need it. They need to get their act together.

The best quote I got from the DWP was " Just because you have cancer dosent automatically entitle you to benefits."  I was gob smacked.

I used to have faith in human nature, now I'm not so sure............

If the little git hadn't been at the other end of a phone line my walking stick would have been probing his bowels.

Keep smiling, if we dont nobody else will.   Bill xx

Hi Colin,

If to be told cancer isnt enough to contend with you get twits with "good advice", couldnt you just slap them.

Cant help with advice on benefits except we couldnt claim a bean, not even a £150 loan for a month. Lucky for us my Dave has a very very good understanding boss. He was off work from the middle of Jan as his brother passed away suddenly (heart attack) then was diagnosed with cancer of the saliva gland in March. He returned to work the end of Nov and was on full pay. Thank you Boss.

We are fortunate enough not to own our own home and only have each other to look after.

Glad despite it all you have humour in your life, it helps but I know what your thinking, it dont pay the bills.

Im not much help at all really but just wanted you to know that I understand what an unfare life this can be and that their are people out there that will be more helpful.

If you decide to go into the t.shirt business we will order a couple.

Hope fortune shines on you and your family, good luck. Shaz x

I got a T shirt - "Kicking Cancer's Ass" and a hoodie with "Beating bowel cancer" I think what people probably are trying to say is that the percentages for bowel cancer survival is pretty good - especially with early diagnosis but people can be very clumsy how they say things.You have still paid a stamp so you should get something.

Keep smiling

Drew

X